Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Enjoy apple season with this Apple Cider Coffee Cake! This delightful coffee cake is packed with over a cup of chopped apples, topped with a buttery cinnamony streusel, and finished with a simple apple cider glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a treat any time of the year, this recipe highlights the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apples and spices creates a warm and comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this coffee cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a delicious cake ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or add the apple cider glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough to serve family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking dish (9×9 inches recommended)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your coffee cake.
• Whisk: Helps to aerate your batter, ensuring a light and fluffy cake.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cake to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping

• 3 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cake Batter

• 1 ¼ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger (pumpkin pie spice or allspice)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)

For the Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon apple cider
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (or more as needed for desired consistency)
• 1 pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction

In a small saucepan, bring 1 ¼ cups of apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until it reduces to about half a cup. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) along with the cooled reduced apple cider into the butter mixture until well blended.

Step 7: Combine All Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Fold in chopped apples gently until just combined.

Step 8: Assemble Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Add remaining batter on top followed by remaining streusel.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 10: Prepare Apple Cider Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with reduced apple cider and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if necessary.

Step 11: Cool and Glaze

Allow the coffee cake to cool on a wire rack before drizzling with apple cider glaze. Slice into pieces and enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Apple Cider Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a variety of beverages and snacks. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are many ways to elevate your serving experience.

With Fresh Brewed Coffee

• Pairing this coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee enhances its flavors. The warmth of the drink complements the sweet and spiced notes of the cake.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy texture to each bite. It balances the sweetness while providing a nice presentation.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Serve slices alongside other brunch favorites like muffins, fruit salads, and quiches for a well-rounded meal that guests will love.

With Ice Cream

• For a delightful dessert, serve warm slices with your favorite ice cream. Vanilla or cinnamon flavors work especially well!

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch. This enhances both flavor and texture, making each bite more satisfying.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with sliced apples or pears for a refreshing touch. The freshness of the fruit complements the richness of the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Creating the perfect Apple Cider Coffee Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bake is everything you desire:

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples provide better flavor and moisture than older ones. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Proper measurements ensure your cake rises perfectly and has the right texture. Use a kitchen scale for precision if possible.

• Cool Before Glazing: Allow your cake to cool before adding the apple cider glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the cake, giving you a beautiful finish.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize spice levels according to your taste preferences. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor complexity.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with Apple Cider Coffee Cake can create a delightful experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the spices in the cake.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that balances sweetness.

3. Cheese Plate
   Offer slices of sharp cheese like cheddar alongside crackers; this savory option contrasts nicely with the sweet coffee cake.

4. Granola Bars
   Homemade granola bars add a chewy texture and can be enjoyed as an on-the-go snack alongside your coffee cake.

5. Chai Tea
   A warm cup of chai tea brings spicy notes that enhance the flavors in your cake while providing comfort.

6. Savory Scones
   Cheese or herb scones provide a savory balance, making them perfect companions during brunch settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls when making this Apple Cider Coffee Cake to ensure it turns out perfectly.

• Using unmeasured ingredients – Always measure your ingredients accurately. This can significantly affect the texture and taste of your cake.
• Skipping the apple cider reduction – Reducing apple cider concentrates its flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your coffee cake.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients – Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature for better incorporation. This helps create a smoother batter.
• Not checking for doneness – Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready; otherwise, give it more time in the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Apple Cider Coffee Cake will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Coffee Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating Apple Cider Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Cider Coffee Cake.

How do I choose the best apples for my Apple Cider Coffee Cake?

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness of the cake and maintain their texture during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt or sour cream?

You can use buttermilk or dairy-free yogurt as alternatives, providing moisture and tanginess to the cake.

How do I know when my Apple Cider Coffee Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is done!

Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture and flavor, while raisins can provide an extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Coffee Cake is not just perfect for fall but is delightful year-round. Its blend of apple flavors and warm spices makes it versatile for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added complexity!